Variably Mountable Umbrella

ABSTRACT

An umbrella mount, and optional adaptor, a receiver for an umbrella pole and at least two pressure points that at least one strap and fastener can urge against a base support to securely position the mount.

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No.13/842,799 filed Mar. 15, 2013.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to umbrella mounts capable of stable andreleasable attachment to a variety of base structures and associatedumbrellas and pole assemblies capable of varied positioning to achieve adesired orientation.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Umbrellas are widely used to provide protection from the sun or theelements. Since umbrellas are nearly invariably used outside, it isdesirable that the umbrella mounts be stable in at least light winds andbreezes. Many bases have been designed to provide such stability andmost commonly such bases are very heavy and the weight of the basestabilizes the umbrella mounted therein, as in U.S. Pat. No. 5,354,031.While heavy bases are useful for mounting stationery umbrellas, it isalso desirable that umbrellas be movable from one location to another.One technique to provide such mobility has been to equip a heavymounting base with wheels as in U.S. Pat. No. 7,641,175. While equippingthe base with wheels provides the ability to move the base across agenerally planar surface, it is still not practical to routinely liftand transport a heavy base from place to place.

Because it is often desirable to utilize an umbrella for shade inconnection with a vehicle, another alternative that has been proposed isto provide a vehicle anchored mount for an umbrella as in U.S. Pat. No.5,911,399. While such a mounting system is useful in connection with thevehicle, it does not provide a satisfactory solution in other locations.Similarly, some clamping arrangements have been devised that aresuitable for mounting an umbrella to a properly positioned structure asin U.S. Pat. No. 7,040,593 or which include a clamping element as in thecase of U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,401,736 and 5,836,327. Again, these clamps areonly suitable for attachment to base structures of particular positions,sizes, or shapes. Two other alternatives that have been utilized are avery large base as in U.S. Pat. No. 7,264,218 or the permanentattachment of a mounting base as in U.S. Pat. No. 5,680,517 and U.S.Published Patent Application No. 2002/0053631. Permanent mounting of theumbrella base can provide excellent stability but is not suitable formobility.

Several alternative techniques for utilizing umbrellas in connectionwith vehicles have been proposed, including trailer hitch attachmentssuch as are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,819,128 and 8,123,190 orparticularly designed mounting structures that are fixed to the vehicleas in U.S. Published Patent Application No. 2010/0096876 and U.S. Pat.No. 5,529,368. These attachments are only suitable for use on aparticular vehicle and do not provide the ability to releasably attachthe umbrella to a variety of different base structures. An improvedumbrella mount is still needed can be mounted to a wide variety of basestructures, while providing variable umbrella positioning and beingsimple and inexpensive to make and use.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Novel umbrella mounts and adapters are provided for fixed or releasableattachment to a base structure or fixation to the ground. The basestructure may commonly be a table or a truck tailgate, but may also be adeck or other permanent fixture. In addition, a pole and beam adapter isprovided to allow the mount to be releasably attached to poles, trees,beams, rectangular truck bumpers, and similar base structures, mosttypically, but not necessarily, in vertical or horizontal orientations.The mount and adapter are releasably secured in place through the use ofa strap or straps that encircle the base structure and can be tightenedwith a fastener, such as a ratchet to hold the mount securely in place.The mount can be designed to permit the umbrella post to be fixed in avariety of orientations when utilized with a either a straight or angledbase pole and a tilting head umbrella. If the angled base pole can berotated through a variety of orientations with respect to the base, theumbrella canopy can be positioned in almost any desired position toprovide shelter from sun or the elements.

These and other aspects of the novel umbrella mount will become apparentin review of the drawings and detailed description of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a top plan view of an umbrella mount according to theinvention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the mount of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a left plan view of the umbrella mount of FIG. 1, the rightplan view being substantially identical.

FIG. 4 is a front plan view of the mount of FIG. 1, the back view beingsubstantially identical.

FIG. 5 is a side plan view of a tilt head umbrella positioned on a 45°angle base pole.

FIG. 6 is a side plan view of the umbrella of FIG. 5 in a mount, withthe 45° angle base pole also shown in isolation.

FIG. 7 is a side plan view of an umbrella with a straight base pole in amount, with the straight base pole also shown in isolation.

FIG. 8 is an elevation view of the components of an exemplary umbrellaand mount system including tilt head umbrella, a 45° angle base pole,straight base pole, mount with pins, adapter, and strap with fastener.

FIG. 9 is a side plan view of the umbrella of FIG. 6 utilizing the tilthead feature to position the umbrella canopy horizontally, vertically,and at an intermediate angle.

FIG. 10 is a top plan view of four umbrellas, each utilizing an angledbase pole but positioned at different orientations relative to theirmounts.

FIG. 11 is a top plan view of a mount on an adapter and secured about apole with a strap and fastener.

FIG. 12A is a perspective view of an adapter with a smooth mountingsurface.

FIG. 12B is a perspective view of an adapter with a notched mountingsurface.

FIG. 13A is an exploded perspective view of the mount of FIG. 1 andadapter of FIG. 12B positioned to attach to a vertical pole.

FIG. 13B is an exploded perspective view of the mount with 45° anglebase pole and adapter for attachment to a 2×6 inch beam.

FIG. 13C is an exploded perspective view of the mount with 45° anglebase pole and adapter for attachment to a 4×4 inch mounting beam.

FIG. 13D is an end plan illustration showing exemplary dimensions forthe notched mounting surface of the adapter of FIG. 12B.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the mount and adapter of FIG. 13A withan umbrella and 45° angle base pole.

FIG. 15 is a side plan illustration of the umbrella mount and adapter ofFIG. 14 secured about the vertical pole with strap and fastener.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a portion of a 45° angle base pole thatis received in the mount.

FIG. 17 is a top plan view of a mount illustrating the laterally alignedapertures for rotational alignment with base pole apertures.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a mount with an insert to accommodatesmaller diameter base poles.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a mount secured by strap to a trucktailgate shaped base structure.

FIG. 20 is a perspective illustration of the secured mount of FIG. 19with an umbrella having a straight base pole received in the mount.

FIG. 21 is a perspective illustration of the base of FIG. 19 with anumbrella having an angled base pole received in the mount.

FIG. 22 is an end view of a mount attached with a strap to a pickuptruck tailgate utilizing a 45° angle base pole at full extension overthree chairs.

FIG. 23 is an end view of a mount attached with a strap to a pickuptruck tailgate utilizing a 45° angle base pole at full extension over asingle chair.

FIG. 24 is an end view of a mount attached with a strap to a pickuptruck tailgate utilizing a 45° angle base pole at reduced extension overa single chair.

FIG. 25 is a side view of a mount attached with a strap to a table topand an umbrella canopy on a straight base pole.

FIG. 26 is a side view of a mount attached with a strap to a table topand an umbrella with a 45° angle base pole extending laterally over twochairs.

FIG. 27A is a perspective view of an adaptable two inch pipe mount.

FIG. 27B is a perspective view of the corner sleeve of the pipe mount ofFIG. 27A.

FIG. 27C is an end view of the pipe mount of FIG. 27A.

FIG. 27D is a top plan view of the square tube and receiver of the pipemount of FIG. 27A.

FIG. 27E is a side plan view of the square tube and receiver of the pipemount of FIG. 27A.

FIG. 27F is a perspective view of the receiver of the pipe mount of FIG.27A.

FIG. 27G is an alternative construction of an adaptable two-inch pipemount.

FIG. 27H is a perspective illustration of an adaptable two-inch pipemount.

FIGS. 27I-K illustrate attachment of the pipe mount to a two inchtrailer hitch.

FIGS. 27L-N illustrate attachment of the pipe mount to a four inchbumper.

FIG. 28A is a perspective view of the pipe mount of FIG. 27A positionedin a two inch receiver hitch.

FIG. 28B is a perspective view of the pipe mount of FIG. 27A positionedon a four inch square tube trailer bumper.

FIG. 28C is a perspective view of an umbrella with a 45° angled basetube mounted in the receiver of the pipe mount positioned on the reartrailer bumper of FIG. 28B and oriented forward at a 45° angle from thebumper.

FIG. 28D is a perspective view of an umbrella with a 45° angled basetube mounted in the receiver of the pipe mount positioned on the reartrailer bumper of FIG. 28B and oriented rearward at a 90° angle from thebumper.

FIG. 29A is a perspective view of an extended pin umbrella mountaccording to the invention.

FIG. 29B is a left plan view of the extended pin umbrella mount of FIG.29A, the right plan view being substantially identical.

FIG. 29C is a top plan view of the extended pin umbrella mount of FIG.29A.

FIG. 29D is a front plan view of the extended pin umbrella mount of FIG.29A, the back plan view being substantially identical.

FIG. 29E is a perspective view of the extended pin umbrella mount ofFIG. 29A fitted with extended pins and two straps securing the mount toa base structure.

FIG. 29F is a perspective view of the extended pin umbrella mount ofFIG. 29A fitted with four nails placed for counterclockwise insertion tosecure the mount to the ground.

FIG. 29G is a back perspective view of the extended pin umbrella mountof FIG. 29A.

FIG. 30A is an end piece of an umbrella canopy connector used to createa preferred tilt mechanism.

FIG. 30B is an umbrella pole end piece to mate with the connector endpiece of FIG. 30A.

FIG. 30C shows the tilt mechanism with the end piece of FIG. 30B.

FIG. 30D shows the tilt mechanism with the end piece of FIG. 30A.

FIGS. 31A-D depict the use of a telescoping nut to join base and upperpole sections.

FIGS. 32A-E illustrate the use of a single strap and ratchet to securean umbrella mount.

FIGS. 33A-E illustrate the sequential assembly of a single strapembodiment on an umbrella mount.

FIGS. 33F-I illustrate the assembly of two ratchet straps on an umbrellamount.

FIGS. 34A-H depict the application of both single and double strapmounting of an umbrella mount.

FIGS. 35A-D depict the use of an adapter to secure an umbrella mount toa vertical pole.

FIG. 36A depicts the direct mounting of an umbrella mount to a concretebase.

FIG. 36B depicts the direct mounting of an umbrella mount to a woodenbase.

FIG. 37 depicts the use of ground anchors to secure an umbrella mount ona turf surface.

FIG. 38 illustrates an exemplary umbrella kit with adaptable mount witha single strap.

FIG. 39 depicts an alternative umbrella kit with adaptable mountconfigured for use with two straps and ratchets.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Turning first to FIGS. 1 through 4, an exemplary umbrella mount 10useful in practicing the invention is illustrated. The mount 10 consistsof a generally planar base 11, corner supports 12 that support generallyupright pole receiver such as cylindrical tube 16, normal to the base.Tube 16 has an opening 19 sized to receive the external diameter of anumbrella base pole and preferably has a height from base 11 to upperedge 16 a of about 6 inches. The pole receiver, and its interioropening, can have a variety of sectional shapes so long as the interioropening will accommodate the associated base poles. While a circularsectional opening 19 is illustrated, the use of polygons, andparticularly triangles and pentagons, are also suitable so long as theassociated base poles have similar shapes.

The planar base 11 also has a plurality of apertures 13 that may beutilized with threaded fasteners such as screws or bolts, or evenunthreaded fasteners such as nails, to more permanently position thebase in a selected location. The cylindrical tube 16 also hasintermediate openings 17 a in lateral alignment on opposed sides so thata pin can be passed through openings 17 a across a diameter of the tube16. The openings 17 a may appear on each quadrant of the tube 16 or onlyon two opposed quadrants. As reflected in FIG. 18, additional openings17 b may be positioned at a different vertical distance from the base 11along the cylindrical tube 16.

Central to the operation of the mount 10, are the presence of at leasttwo strap pressure points where a strap cooperating with base 10 canexert downward pressure on the base 10 against a fixed base structuresuch as a table or tailgate, or horizontal pressure against a verticalbase structure. In the illustrated embodiment, the strap pressurestructures are formed of risers 14 with right castellation 14 a and leftcastellation 14 b in the shape of a clevis and creating a channel. A pin15 is journaled across openings in castellations 14 a and 14 b so thatright pin end 15 a and left pin end 15 b are visible on the exterior ofthe riser 14 while the central portion of pin 15 may hold a strap inposition. The strap may have a fixed loop end that the pin 15 ispositioned through into place on the riser 14, or the strap may bepassed under and around the pin 15 already mounted in the riser 14 andthen to a buckle or fastener. FIGS. 19 through 21 illustrate a strap 30in position on riser-type pressure points.

A modified mount 110 is illustrated in FIGS. 29A through 29E. The mount110 consists, again, of a generally planar base 111, corner supports 112that support generally upright pole receivers such as cylindrical tube116, normal to the base. Tube 116 has an opening 19 to receive theexternal diameter of an umbrella base pole and preferably has a heightfrom base 111 to upper edge of the cylindrical tube 116 of about sixinches. The planar base 111 also has a plurality of apertures 113 thatmay be utilized with fasteners such as screws, bolts, or nails to morepermanently position the mount 110 in a selected location. Of particularinterest are the holes 119 at the base of each of the corner supports112. Openings 119 are angled at approximately 45° relative to thesurface of the planar base 111 and each of the openings 119 is angled inthe same direction, either clockwise or counterclockwise relative to thecentral tube 116 n. In FIG. 29F, the openings 119 have been filled withground anchors such as nails 137, typically of approximately 6 to 10inches in length. In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 29F, theopenings 119 are angled at approximately 45° to the surface of theplanar base 111 so that the openings pass through the base in agenerally counterclockwise direction. Thus the nails 137 can be readilyhammered though openings 119 into ground, preferably a grass coveredarea and thereby secure the mount 110 in place. The root system of thegrass combined with the resistance of the earth into which the nailshave penetrated can provide a very steady base in appropriatecircumstances. When it is desired to remove the mount 110 from theground, it is only necessary to tap the corner supports 112 in agenerally clockwise direction, opposite the direction in which the nailswere inserted into the ground, and the mount 110 readily loosens and canbe removed.

An additional modification is the addition of shoulders 114 on the leftand right sides of the mount 110 intermediate the corner supports 112.An aperture 131 passes through the corner supports 112 and shoulders 114from front to rear. These openings 131, and the space between theshoulders 114 on the left and right sides of the mount 110, allow theuse of an extended pin 115. An illustrated embodiment the extended pinis comprised of a rear bolt 134 with a flange or projecting edge such ashead 135 and an opposite threaded end that is received in coupler 132.In addition, forward bolt 133, also with head 135 has an oppositethreaded end that is received in the forward side of coupler 132. Thecomposite structure of the bolts 133, 134 and coupler 132 create theextended pin 115. Loops on straps 130 are then fitted over eachprotruding end, interior of the bolt heads 135 and passed around thebase support to similar extended pin ends on the opposite side of themount 110 and the straps 130 are tightened and secured with buckles 136.This structure is particularly advantageous in that it allows securingstraps 130 to be fastened both front and rear to the cylindrical tube116 holding the umbrella base tube and thereby provides improved supportand stability. Certainly even greater support and stability could beobtained by elongating the mount 110 in the front and rear direction andspacing a strap pressure point further forward and another strappressure point further rearward from the umbrella base mounting tube 116though this would entail additional materials and cost.

Turning then to FIGS. 5 through 8, the constituent components of theumbrella utilized with mount 10 are illustrated. These componentsconsist of the umbrella assembly 60, and angled base pole 40 shown inFIG. 5. A straight base pole 50 shown in FIG. 7 is also provided. Theumbrella assembly 60 consists of the actual canopy or awning 65, canopyconnector 64, swivel joint 63, and pole 61 with end 62 (shown in FIG.8). The end 62 is received within top end 44 of angled base pole 40 inFIG. 5. The angled base pole 40 has a main shaft 41, a 45-degree angle43 and a base 46 extending to end 42. The base 46 has openings 45 a thatallow a pin to be passed through a diameter of base 46. It can be seenin FIG. 6 that the base end 46 of angled base pole 40 is received withinthe opening 19 (shown in FIG. 1) of mount 10. This causes the canopy 65to be offset from the base. In order for the canopy 65 to be parallel tothe ground, the swivel joint 63 is adjusted at a 45-degree angleopposite to the 45-degree angle 43 of pole 40. The extension distanceprovided by poles 61 and 41 can be adjusted in any of several well-knownfashions by controlling the length of pole 61 that is received withinthe end 44 of angled base pole 40. Often, a series of apertures isprovided on the larger pole 41 and a spring-loaded button mechanism isprovided near the end 62 of the umbrella pole 61. The buttons can bedepressed and released to interfit in apertures at an appropriate pointalong pole 41 to obtain a desired length.

FIG. 7 illustrates the alternative straight base pole 50 comprised ofmain shaft 51, base end 52 that is received within the opening 19 of themount 10 with aligned openings 55 a on opposed sides to permit a pin topass through the diameter of the shaft 51. Pole 50 also has an oppositeupper end 54 that will receive base 62 of main umbrella pole 61. Whenutilizing the straight base pole 50, the canopy 65 is located directlyabove the mount 10 and there is no need to utilize the tilt mechanism 63to keep the canopy parallel to the surface below.

The base 46 of base pole 40 and base 52 of straight base pole 50 areillustrated with circular sectional profiles for use with tubular polereceiver 16. When using a circular sectional profile, it may benecessary to use locking pins to fix an angled base pole in the desiredorientation. An alternative is to use a pole receiver and base with apolygon shaped sectional profile, and preferably an equilateral triangleor pentagon. When a triangular profile is used with a symmetrical mount,a total of six different orientations for an angled base pole arepossible, providing a possible fixed location at every 60° of rotation.This is accomplished with the mount in a first position and thetriangular profile permitting the angled base pole to extend at threelocations that can be represented as 0°, 120°, and 240°. To obtain theother three possible positions, the mount is rotated through 180° sothat the triangular profile of the pole receiver faces in the oppositedirection and now the angled base pole can extend at 60°, 180°, and300°. When a pentagon shaped profile is used, the angled base pole canbe positioned at every 36° around the circle.

FIG. 8 shows a complete set of components that can be provided in kitform or a carrying bag to allow this adjustable mount and umbrella to becarried and used in many various locations. The elements include theumbrella assembly 60, straight base pole 50, angled base pole 60, mount10, pins 15, adaptor 20, and strap 30 with fastener 36.

Turning next to FIGS. 9 and 10, exemplary configurations of theumbrella, and mount utilizing angled base pole 40 are shown. In FIG. 9the mount 10 is in a horizontal position, the base end 46 of angle basepole 40 is received in the opening 19 of the cylindrical tube 16 of themount 10, the bottom end 62 of umbrella pole 61 is received within thetop end 44 of the angled base pole 40, and the tilt mechanism 63 isshown in solid holding canopy 65 in horizontal position and in phantomat 45° and 90° angles from the horizontal. FIG. 10 is a representationof four horizontally positioned mounts 10 with angled base poles 41extending canopies 65 outward from a central position. Canopies 65 aretypically about 6 to 10 feet in diameter, and preferably about 7 to 9feet.

While it is possible to use an angled base pole 40 that has a less than45° angle from the vertical, the 45° angle is preferred since itmaximizes the potential offset of the umbrella canopy 65 from the mount10. Most umbrella tilt mechanisms extend through an arc of no more thanabout 30° in either direction, and the tilt mechanisms are relativelyfragile and may break when subjected to stress by stiff breezes.Accordingly, it has proved preferable to design an improved tiltmechanism utilizing end caps 164, 161 shown in FIGS. 30A-30D on thedistal end of canopy support 64 and pole 61. It can be seen that theswivel mechanism piece 164 has an opening 165 at a first end to receivethe distal end of canopy connector 64 and an opposite curved end 168.This piece also has an interior surface with castellations 167 and anopposite surface through which an opening 166 passes. The counterpartpiece 161 has an opening 162 to receive umbrella pole 61 and an interiorcurved surface 169 that matches the curved end 168 of the other swivelconnector piece. End cap 161 also has a castellated 167 interior surfaceand an aperture 163 passing through. In operation the castellatedsurfaces 167 mate and the end caps 161, 164 are bolted together as shownin FIGS. 30C, 30D. The castellations are preferably about 0.04-0.1inches in height and may be sized to permit only rotation in incrementsof 45°, or alternatively in increments of 22.5° or even 15°. To operatethe swivel mechanism, the bolt 120 passing through apertures 163 and 166is loosened, the canopy connector 64 is rotated with respect to theumbrella pole 61 to a desired angular orientation, and the bolt isrefastened to lock the end caps 161, 164. A particularly advantageousbolting mechanism is an Allen bolt that has a recess 121 to receive anAllen wrench to rotate the bolt 120. The distal end 122 of the bolt thencooperates with nut 125 (held in position by the hexagonal shape ofopening 166) to tighten or loosen the end caps 161,164. The Allen wrench127 preferably has an opening 128 or other attachment point so that itcan be connected by flexible line 129 to the umbrella pole or head.

Although the operation of a bolting mechanism is not as simple as theusual push button tilt mechanism, the additional strength and stabilityprovided by the interlocking castellations, the convenience ofincremental locking positions, and the additional arc of rotation,extending at least 45° in either direction, provides significantbenefits. The 45° arc of rotation in each direction is preferablyobtained by two increments of 22.5° but may also be achieved by oneincrement of 45° or three increments of 15°. With additional 22.5° or15° increments, it is possible to obtain movement of 60° or even 67.5°in each direction so that the umbrella canopy is moveable through atotal arc of 120° or 135°, which allows the canopy to entirely offset a45° angle of the base pole and provide additional tilt to the canopy.

An additional feature of the umbrella mount is an adaptor component thatis particularly useful in allowing the mount 10 to be secured to a poleor rectangular member. Such an adaptor 20 for use in mounting on roundedmembers such as poles or trees up to about eight inches in diameter isshown in FIGS. 12A, 12B and 13D in isolation and in FIGS. 11 and 13A-13Cin place on pole 29 or rectangular member 28 a, 28 b. The adaptor has aplanar top 21 surround by flange 22 sized to receive the base 11 ofmount 10 as shown in FIG. 13A. Opposite the planar top 21 is a generallyarcuate surface 23 a. In a particularly preferred embodiment, thisarcuate surface is not smooth but notched. Arcuate surface 23 b isnotched with spaced notches 27 to particularly match common widths ofrectangular members such as 2×4 and 2×6 lumber, or rectangular metalbumper attachments for vehicles.

In FIG. 11, the mount 10 is shown with strap 30 attached to risers 14and extending around adaptor 20 and generally round pole 29 andtightened in place by fastener 36 which may be a buckle or cinch, butpreferably is a ratchet type mechanism. The strap is typically made froma durable fabric such as nylon, polypropylene or polyester, but othermaterials are possible. FIGS. 13B and 13C show the adaptor 20 positionedon rectangular support base members 28 a, 28 b. FIG. 13B illustrates thenotching of the interior generally curved surface 23 b. It can also beseen that the profile of adaptor 20 on the curved side extends back fromthe edges of a generally curved surface 23 b at an angle 25 and thennearly normal to the planar top along section 26.

FIG. 14 shows an exploded view of the attachment of mount 10 to adaptor20 in position on a vertical pole 29 with an angled base pole 40received in the mount 10 and connected to the umbrella portion 60 withcanopy 65. A side plan view of that assembly with strap 30 securedaround pole 29 in connection with risers 14 on mount 10 is shown in FIG.15. The end points of the strap 30 are looped over pins 15 held byrisers 14, thus each pin 15 applies pressure through riser 14 to pressthe mount 10 against the adapter 20 and in turn against the pole 29. Itcan be seen that a strap or straps must pull at least two pressurepoints on the mount 10 against the base structure. The pressure pointsshould be disposed on opposite sides of the pole receiver. FIG. 15 alsoillustrates angle base pole 40 orienting the shaft of the umbrellaupwards at a 45° angle and the swivel mechanism 63 reversing the 45°angle to hold the canopy 65 in a horizontal position.

FIGS. 16 through 18 illustrate particularly preferred embodiment of themounting section 46 of base pole 40, and a cylindrical tube 16 is usedon mount 10 receiving the base pole section. Specifically, the basesection 46 of angled base pole 40 is shown in isolation in FIG. 16 withboth lower apertures 45 a and upper apertures 45 b. There are fourapertures 45 a, each offset 90° from one another so that a pin can passthrough opposed apertures across the diameter of section 46. The upperapertures 45 b are similarly offset from one another by 90° and are alsooffset from the apertures 45 a by 45°. Thus, when the base section 46 isplaced in the opening 19 of tube 16 of mount 10, as shown in FIG. 18,locking pin 76 can be passed through lower opening 17 a or upper opening17 b to correspond with openings 45 a or 45 b in the bottom section of46 thereby permitting the angled base pole 45 to be rotated to any 45°angle and locked in place by passing pin shaft 76 through the aperturesand attaching a fastener 80 to end 77, while angle 78 keeps the grippingend 79 of the pin 76 on the opposite outer side of tube 16. The openings17 a,17 b in tube 16 are preferably offset from risers 14 so that thereis ample space to easily insert and lock pin 76.

Because the straight base pole 50 does not need to be rotated, it is notnecessary that it be provided with apertures like the bottom section 46of angled base pole 40. Similarly, if the profile of the receiver andpole base are a matching polygonal shape, such as a triangular sectionor a pentagon, there is no necessity for apertures and a locking pinsince the interfitting profiles will not rotate with respect to oneanother. In addition, the mount 10 can be configured to accept smallerdiameter base poles by the addition of a keyed insert 70. In this casethe top edge 16 a of tube 16 of mount 10 has a keyway 18 to mate with akey 74 on the insert 70. The tubular portion 71 of insert 70 is sized tofit the opening 19 in tube 16 and the keyway 18 ensures that apertures75 a and 75 b of the insert 70 will align with apertures 17 a and 17 bon tube 16. The upper end 73 of insert 70 will be nearly flush with theupper end 16 a of tube 16 and lower end 72 will extend to the base 11 ofmount 10. The use of insert 70 facilitates the situation where the mountis used on a table and the additional height or offset of a base pole40, 50 is not needed. In that case, the end 62 of umbrella pole 61 maybe fitted directly into the insert 70 within the pole receiver. The tube16 can also be provided with a small drain hole 90 at its lower endwhere it joins the base to prevent the accumulation of any moisture.

FIGS. 19 and 20 illustrated the attachment of the mount to a basestructure in the shape of a pickup truck tailgate 80. The mount 10 issecured in place by strap 30 connected to downward pressure positions onopposite sides of the umbrella pole mounting receiver 16, and heldtightly in place by fastener 36. In FIG. 20, a straight base pole 50 isinserted in the cylindrical tube portion 16 of base 10 holding thecanopy 65 of the umbrella directly above the mount 10. In FIG. 21, thestraight base pole 50 has been replaced by the angled base pole 40 whichresults in the canopy 65 being offset from the mount 10 that is locatedon the tailgate 80. As best illustrated in the wide field of viewillustration of FIG. 22, the base support is tailgate 80 on pickup truck81 and the canopy 65 of the umbrella is at horizontal by virtue ofoperation of swivel joint 63 to counter the 45 degree angle imparted byangle base pole 40. It can be seen that the canopy 65 substantiallycovers three chairs 82,83,84 at full extension of the umbrella pole 61.FIG. 23 depicts the same configuration as FIG. 22 but with only a singlechair 83 that is spaced widely from the pickup truck 81. In FIG. 24, asubstantial portion of umbrella pole 61 has been received within theangled base pole 40 so that the canopy 65 covers a portion of the backof the pickup truck 81 and the chair 83 is positioned closer to thepickup truck.

As mentioned above, it is known to utilize trailer receiver hitchopenings for securing mounting structure for umbrellas to vehicles.Illustrated in FIGS. 27 and 28 is a novel adaptable square pipe mountthat is designed, in one application, to be received within a trailerhitch receiver and another application to be received on the corner of ametal base, typified by a 4″ square tube bumper commonly found ontrailers and motorhomes. The adjustable mount 170 has a 2″ square tube171 that is joined to a cylindrical umbrella base pole receiver 172. Thebase pole receiver 172 has an open end 179 and may advantageously have acap 180 on the opposite end. The adjustable pipe mount includes a cornersleeve 173 as shown in isolation in FIG. 27B. The corner sleeve 173 isillustrated as a sleeve element in the form of a bent sheet of metal ofpreferably about ⅛″ thickness 178 and that sleeve element is welded tothe 2″ square tube 171 and spaced apart at one end by a ¼″ thick spacer174. In this fashion, an L-shaped gap 177 exists between the forward endof the sleeve element 178 and the 2″ square tube 171 to which it ismounted. Threaded openings 175 are located on the corner sleeve 173 andalso another threaded opening 183 is located exterior of the square pipe171 as may be formed by welding nut 176 to the pipe.

In use, the adaptable pipe mount 170 may be placed within a trailerreceiver as illustrated in FIG. 28A and releasably secured as byadjustable screw such as Allen-head cap screw 184 that may be threadedthrough opening 183 to bias the pipe 171 against the interior of thetrailer hitch receiver and securely hold the adaptable pipe mount 170 inplace. An alternative utilization of the adaptable pipe mount 170 isshown in FIG. 28B where the gap 177 between corner sleeve 173 and squarepipe 171 has been received over a corner of a 4″ square pipe bumper 190at the rear of a trailer. After the corner of the bumper 190 is receivedin the gap 177, screws 185 are tightened to secure the adaptable pipemount 170 in place. Screws may be recessed Allen head types as in FIGS.27H and 27I, of provided with T-handles as in FIG. 28A. Then an umbrellahaving an angled base pole 40 may have its base end 46 inserted withinthe cylinder 172 and a lateral pin placed through aperture 181 or 182 toappropriately position the supported umbrella canopy 65. Because of theoffset provided by the angled base pole 40, the umbrella may extend fromthe trailer bumper 190 through an arc of approximately 180°. In FIG.28C, the umbrella is oriented at an angle extending forward atapproximately 45° from the axial orientation of bumper 190. In FIG. 28D,the umbrella is rotated approximately 135° to the rear so that itextends rearward at an angle approximately normal from the axialorientation of the bumper 190 and the umbrella could be positioned evenfurther through the same arc by approximately another 45°. This provideseasily movable shade adjacent to the trailer.

FIGS. 25 and 26 illustrate attachment of the mount 10 to another basesupport which in this case is the top 86 of a picnic table 85. In FIG.25, the mount 10 is secured by strap 30 about the table top support 86and the straight base pole 50 elevates the canopy to a height notgreatly above the length of the base pole 50 because a substantialportion of umbrella pole 61 has been received within the base pole 50.In this particular illustration, the umbrella is not provided with aswivel joint and the umbrella canopy 65 is horizontal and directly abovethe picnic table 85 and mount 10. In FIG. 26, the mount 10 is againsecured by strap 30 to base support 86 but the angle base pole 40 isutilized to offset the canopy 65 at a 45 degree angle. Again, theumbrella pole 61 is largely received within pole 41 so that the canopyis not extended to its maximum distance away from the mount 10. However,it can be seen that the canopy completely covers two chairs 82, 83positioned laterally to the side of the picnic table 85. By utilizingthe many adjusting features of the illustrated embodiment of theinvention, the canopy 65 can be securely positioned in numerouslocations and orientations. Versatility is provided by the ability ofmount 10, with or without adapter 20, to be secured to many differentstationary objects. The selection of straight or angled base polesprovides additional versatility as does the ability to rotate the angledbase pole to four or preferably eight different angular orientationswith regard to the position of the mount 10. The ability to adjust thelength of the umbrella pole by receiving a portion of that pole withinthe angled base pole or straight base pole provides additionaladaptability as does the swivel joint 63.

As illustrated in FIGS. 38 and 39, an umbrella mount 10 of the presentinvention can be provided with a variety of accessories to enable itseffective deployment. Such accessories may include a carrying case, aparts bag, a strap mounting axles in the form of bolt connectors,concrete anchors, washers, lag screws, ground spikes, ratchet straps andbuckles, adaptable two inch mount, straight and angled base poles, andof course, the umbrella canopy.

As reflected in FIG. 31, the base pole 40, 50 may be joined to the uppercanopy pole 60 utilizing a telescoping nut 57. The telescoping nut 57rests over end fingers 56 on the base pole when stored. To join theupper canopy pole 60 to the base pole 50, the telescoping nut 57 isremoved from the end of the base pole 50 and placed over the end 62 ofthe upper canopy pole 60. Then the end 62 of the upper canopy pole 60 isinserted within the fingers 56 on the base pole 50 before thetelescoping nut is slid down over the fingers, Then as reflected in FIG.31D, the poles 50,60 may be adjusted relative to one another and fixedin place by tightening the telescoping nut 57.

As shown in FIGS. 32A-E, a mount 10 can be attached using a single strap30 and ratchet 36 by placing an L bolt 104 through a riser 114 on eitherside of the tube 16 and securing that strap around a base structure 86and operating the ratchet to tighten the mount to the base structure. Asillustrated in FIG. 32B, an L bolt 104 is inserted through an opening131 in shoulder 114 of corner support 112. One end of strap 30 isslipped on the L bolt 104 which is then slipped into the adjacent cornersupport opening 131 and a lock pin 105 inserted. The same process isrepeated with a second L bolt 104 on the opposite side of the mount 110except the ratchet buckle 36 is attached. Then the free end of the strap30 is inserted into the slit on the ratchet buckle 36 and the strap 30is tightened in the ratchet against the mounting surface. Then theumbrella base pole 50 can be inserted in the cylindrical tube 116 of themount 110 and another L-bolt 104 and latching pin 105 pin placed tosecure the base pole in position.

FIGS. 33A-E depict the assembly of an extended bolt through side riserpositions 114 on either side of the cylindrical tube 116 while FIGS.33F-I depict the use of extended bolts to facilitate the use of tworatchet straps. FIG. 33A shows the insertion of a forward bolt 133through an opening 131 in a shoulder 114 of a corner support 112 to acentral area between corner supports. A hex nut 132 serves as a boltcoupler and has the strap 30 placed on it as it is attached to theforward bolt 133. Then a rear bolt 134 is inserted through thecorresponding opening 131 on the adjacent shoulder 114 and secured inthe other side of the hex nut 132 and the bolts 133, 134 are tightened.This process of inserting two bolts into a hex nut is repeated to attachthe ratchet 36 on the other side of the cylinder 116. To install tworatchet straps 130, 136 FIG. 33F shows the insertion of a forward bolt133 through an opening 131 in a shoulder 114 of a corner support 112 toa central area between corner supports. A hex nut 132 serves as a boltcoupler and the bolts 133, 134 are tightened. In this case, however,which is desirable for attaching to vertical surfaces, the strap 130 andratchet 136 are slipped over the ends of the bolts rather than beingplaced in the center. The base 110 can then be fitted to the adapter 20and attached to a vertical pole 29 and the straps 130 tightened.

FIGS. 34A-H also depict the use of the extended bolt configuration 115with either one or two straps. A single strap is often adequate when theumbrella mount is used on a horizontal surface, while two straps arepreferred for mounting to a vertical surface or in instances wherestability is more critical. It can be seen that the extended bolts 115are formed by joining first and second bolts 133, 134 with hex nut 132.One or two straps are attached, the base 110 is positioned and thestraps 130 tightened, and the umbrella pole is installed in cylinder 116and bolted and lock pinned in place.

FIGS. 35A-D depict an adapter and its use with an umbrella mount toattach the umbrella mount to both vertical round, FIG. 35C, and square,FIG. 35D, surfaces.

FIGS. 36A-B depict the umbrella mount 10 with concrete anchors or withlag bolts for mounting on concrete or wood surfaces. For semi-permanentmounting on concrete such as poolside, patio or driveway, firstpre-drill holes and tap in concrete anchors. Then place the base 110 andinstall anchor bolts 6 and washers and fasten to the anchors. Forsemi-permanent mounting on a wooden base such as decks or docks, placethe base 110 and fasten by screwing in lag bolts 7.

FIG. 37 depicts the umbrella mount 110 with ground anchors or spikes 137that are driven clockwise into a turf surface such as a soccer field,campground, or park. Ten inch spikes can be used and driven at a 45°angle through openings 119 as shown in FIGS. 29A and 29F. The mount maybe easily removed by reverse twisting in a counter clockwise direction,as by wiggling or hitting any of the four support fins 112 in thatdirection.

Numerous alterations of the structure herein disclosed will suggestthemselves to those skilled in the art. However, it is to be understoodthat the present disclosure relates to the preferred embodiment of theinvention which is for purposes of illustration only and not to beconstrued as a limitation of the invention. All such modifications whichdo not depart from the spirit of the invention are intended to beincluded within the scope of the appended claims.

I claim:
 1. A mount for holding an umbrella in position on a basesupport comprising: a base having a top side and a bottom side; a polereceiver connected to and extending from the top side normal to thebase; and an angled base pole having a base portion received in the polereceiver and a pole section extending upward from the base portion at anangle of between 30° and 60°.
 2. The mount of claim 1 further comprisingan umbrella pole interfitting with the pole receiver, a lockablyadjustable swivel joint, and a canopy.
 3. The mount of claim 2 whereinthe swivel joint is set at an angle opposite the angle of the angledbase pole.
 4. The mount of claim 1 wherein the angled base pole can befixed in at least four different positions to change the outward angularorientation of the pole section.
 5. The mount of claim 2 wherein theswivel joint is lockably adjustable in at least two increments of 22.5°in either direction.
 6. The mount of claim 2 wherein the swivel joint islockably adjustable in at least three increments of 15° in eitherdirection.
 7. The mount of claim 2 wherein the swivel joint is lockablyadjustable in at least one increment of 45° in either direction.
 8. Amount for holding an umbrella in position on a base support comprising:a base having a top side and a bottom side; a pole receiver connected toand extending from the top side normal to the base; a plurality ofopenings passing through the base; fasteners extending through theplurality of openings into the base support; a base pole having a baseportion received in the pole receiver and a pole section extendingupward from the base portion; an umbrella pole interfitting with thepole section; an adjustably lockable swivel joint on the umbrella pole;and a canopy connected thereto.
 9. The mount of claim 8 wherein theplurality of openings pass vertically through the base and the fastenersextending through the plurality of openings are threaded.
 10. The mountof claim 8 wherein the plurality of openings pass through the base atclockwise angles of approximately 45° relative to the bottom side of thebase and the pole receiver and the fasteners extending through theplurality of openings are ground anchors.
 11. The mount of claim 10wherein the base support is grass covered ground.
 12. The mount of claim8 wherein the plurality of openings pass through the base atcounterclockwise angles of approximately 45° relative to the bottom sideof the base and the pole receiver and the fasteners extending throughthe plurality of openings are ground anchors.
 13. An umbrella and mountin combination comprising: a canopy; a lockably adjustable swivel jointconnected thereto; an angled base umbrella pole extending from theswivel joint to a pole receiver; the pole receiver being connected to apipe mount having a reception end for reception in and fastening to atrailer hitch; wherein a base portion of the angled base umbrella poleis received in the pole receiver.
 14. The umbrella and mount of claim 13wherein the angled base umbrella pole can be fixed in at least fourdifferent positions to change the outward angular orientation of theumbrella pole.
 15. The umbrella and mount of claim 13 wherein the swiveljoint is set at an angle opposite the angle of the angled base umbrellapole.
 16. The umbrella and mount of claim 13 wherein the swivel joint islockably adjustable in at least two increments of 22.5° in eitherdirection.
 17. The umbrella and mount of claim 13 wherein the pipe mountis a square pipe with a corner sleeve proximate to the reception end andspaced outwardly by proximately 0.25 inches from the square pipe tocreate an L shaped gap between the square pipe and corner sleeve. 18.The umbrella and mount of claim 17 wherein the angled base umbrella polecan be fixed in at least four different positions to change the outwardangular orientation of the umbrella pole.
 19. The umbrella and mount ofclaim 17 wherein the swivel joint is set at an angle opposite the angleof the angled base umbrella pole.
 20. The umbrella and mount of claim 17wherein the swivel joint is lockably adjustable in at least twoincrements of 22.5° in either direction.